Jan 27, 2025 Story by: Editor
The Black population in the United States reached a record 48.3 million in 2023, reflecting a 33% increase since 2000, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of government data. This diverse group includes a growing number of individuals identifying as multiracial.
In honor of Black History Month, here are key insights into the nation’s Black population. This analysis encompasses three main categories: single-race, non-Hispanic Black individuals; non-Hispanic, multiracial Black individuals; and Black Hispanics. (It’s worth noting that Black Hispanics differ from the Afro-Latino population.) For additional details, refer to our updated fact sheet on Black Americans.
Since 2000, the Black population has grown from 36.2 million to 48.3 million in 2023. Particularly striking is the 269% increase in those identifying as multiracial and the 210% rise in those identifying as Hispanic. This diversification reflects a broader national trend of more Americans identifying as multiracial. Additionally, immigration from Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions has significantly contributed to this growth. (See the cautionary note in “How we did this” for details on total and immigrant population estimates.)
Between 2010 and 2023, Utah saw the fastest growth in its Black population (89%), followed by Arizona, Nevada, and Minnesota, each with a 60% increase among states with at least 25,000 Black residents in 2010. In contrast, Mississippi, Illinois, and the District of Columbia experienced declines of 2%, 2%, and 1%, respectively, during this period.
States with the largest Black population growth in sheer numbers included Texas (up 1.2 million), Florida (up 800,000), and Georgia (up 610,000), surpassing New York, which previously had the largest Black population in 2010.
The New York City metro area continued to lead in 2023, with 3.8 million Black residents. Other metro areas with significant Black populations included Atlanta (2.3 million), Washington, D.C. (1.8 million), and Chicago (1.7 million). Atlanta also had the highest share of Black residents among metro areas with at least 1 million Black residents, where 37% of the population identified as Black.
Between 2010 and 2023, Dallas had the largest percentage increase in Black residents (47%). In comparison, Detroit saw no growth, and Los Angeles experienced a slight decline (-1%). Although the Black population in the District of Columbia decreased, it grew by 3% in the broader Washington metro area.
The Black population in the U.S. is relatively young, with a median age of 32.6 years in 2023, compared to 39.2 years for non-Black Americans. Among Black Americans, 27% are under 18, a higher share than the 21% among non-Black Americans.
By group, the median age in 2023 was:
- Single-race, non-Hispanic Black: 35.4 years
- Hispanic Black: 21.7 years
- Multiracial, non-Hispanic Black: 19.5 years
Educational attainment among Black Americans has seen notable growth. In 2023, 27% of Black adults aged 25 and older (8.2 million people) had earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 14.5% in 2000.
The share of Black women with at least a bachelor’s degree rose from 15.4% in 2000 to 30.1% in 2023, surpassing the gains made by Black men, whose share increased from 13.4% to 23.6% during the same period.
Marriage rates among Black Americans remain lower than among other groups. In 2023, 48% of Black adults had never been married, compared to 29% of non-Black adults. Black men were more likely than Black women to be married (36% vs. 29%), while Black women were more likely to be divorced, separated, or widowed (25% vs. 15%).
Approximately 18% of married Black adults were in interracial marriages, including 21% of married Black men and 13% of married Black women. Black women were more likely to have a Black spouse (87%) than Black men (79%).
The median annual income for Black households in 2023 was $54,000. Among subgroups, multiracial Black households had a median income of $65,800, Black Hispanic households earned $60,000, and single-race Black households earned $52,800. Source: Pew Research
